WAKARUSA WAR — PREPARATIONS. 
119 
29th. — It is Thanksgiving day in Massachusetts, as in several 
other states. How anxious for us our friends would be, did they 
know just what dangers threaten us ! But as they now draw 
around the cheerful fire, which November’s chilly breath in New 
England makes social and pleasant, they will think of us as enjoy¬ 
ing milder skies, and dream not of the dire visitation of the ruf- 
fianly horde gathering in our borders, and thirsting for our blood. 
The little home circle, now sadly broken in upon by life’s changes, 
the revered head having passed onward beyond the dark portal, 
will think of her who in young girlhood made one of the number 
around the bright hearth-stone, and, having entered upon the 
responsibilities of life’s drama, finds her post of duty in this far¬ 
away land. Thanksgiving will be kept by some families here, and 
the old custom of inviting one’s friends to dine will not be forgot¬ 
ten ; though the “ wars and rumors of wars,” with the necessary 
preparations in case of an attack, prevent its assuming its usual 
festive character. 
The town has grown much in the few last weeks. The large 
hotel is complete externally, and, with its large, airy-looking win¬ 
dows opening upon a prospect of indescribable loveliness, its black- 
walnut doors with a mirror-like surface adding beauty, promises 
comfort in the future to the weary traveller. There are other 
buildings, nearly as large, almost complete, while others are 
in process of erection. One has to look all around them to 
avoid running into piles of sand and lime, against the hod-carriers 
and busy workmen. The Missourians have not forsaken us yet, 
or left us to starve, as plenty of their market-wagons are standing 
at every store. The Yankee’s money is as good as anybody’s 
money ; and too much of it, while the borderers treat us so ill, has 
gone into their hands. It is estimated that over a million dollars 
have been paid them for horses, wagons, provisions, and freights, 
within the last year. 
A friend came in from the border at evening, and brought reli¬ 
able information of quite a camp at Franklin, four miles from us, 
and people continually on the way. He says there never ha3 been 
before such excitement in the border towns. Ail kinds of teams 
are pressed into service, and are generally, together with the 
